Schools and Clubs
A united approach to nurturing the next generation of rugby talent.
As an independent academy, our development programme isn’t linked to one specific team or club. We have the benefit of being able to work closely with multiple schools, clubs and colleges to create a pathway to support rugby union players with their journey from grassroots to elite level rugby.
We are committed to holistic talent development though, so we believe in balancing education with rugby training to help future players thrive both on the field and in life.
STUART DIXON
STUART DIXON
“Having a strong relationship with our education partners is a key part of the overall aims of the Yorkshire Rugby Academy. Not only do they provide a first-class education for the right students, but they also introduce young players to a high-performance environment. This helps them understand the importance of having respect for themselves and each other, striving for consistent levels of excellence and having a positive mindset in all that they do.”
The Academy, Colleges and Education (ACE) Programme
The ACE (Academy, Colleges and Education) Programme is a national under-18 development initiative designed to bridge the gap between traditional academy rugby and the professional game whilst still providing a top level of education. At Yorkshire Rugby Academy, we've established partnerships with both Wath Academy and Bishop Burton College (the two Yorkshire ACE establishments) where talented young players can train at an elite level while continuing their academic studies.
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Wath Academy is an inclusive school for 11- to 18-year-olds, with a rich 100-year history of academic and sporting achievement. It’s a popular Academy within the Maltby Learning Trust with over 2000 students on roll, including over 400 students in the Sixth Form.
An official partner of the Yorkshire Rugby Academy, they provide an excellent educational offer alongside a structured pathway for talent development in South Yorkshire. Scholarships are available for 16- to 18-year-olds, which combine post 16 education with an elite level rugby union development programme, with students often training on a daily basis.
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Bishop Burton College is a specialist further and higher education college in East Yorkshire, England, focused on land-based, sports, and vocational training. Bishop Burton is known for being a regional hub for rugby development, partnering with professional clubs and academies to provide education alongside elite sports training. Since 2017, over 60 of rugby players have been involved in international, academy and county squads. Many former students are now playing rugby in the National Leagues, Championship and Premiership.
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Through the ACE pathway, student-athletes benefit from:
High-performance environments that deliver coaching, strength & conditioning, and sports science support.
Integrated timetables combining academic courses with dedicated rugby training.
Access to strength, conditioning, and medical facilities—providing a well-rounded experience that mirrors professional setups
Regional Training Centres within Yorkshire Clubs
We work closely with two Yorkshire Clubs, which serve as our designated Regional Training Centres. These centres allow us to deliver high-quality coaching, strength and conditioning, and player development programmes across the county. Operating from Bishop, Leeds and Doncaster means we can provide greater accessibility for players from different areas of Yorkshire, ensuring that talent can be supported and developed closer to home.
Doncaster knights RFC,
Armthorpe Road,
Doncaster, England, DN2 5QB
West Park Leeds RUFC,
The Sycamores,
Leeds, England, LS16 9JR
Bishop Burton College,
York Road,
Beverley, England, HU17 8QG
Club matches and festivals
We regularly attend school and club fixtures and local rugby festivals to allow us to observe players in their own environments.
Connecting with Yorkshire Clubs and Schools in this way also helps us to stay closely linked with the grassroots game, ensuring that talented players are spotted and supported within their own communities.
Let’s create a legacy of excellence together.
We are committed to strengthening our relationships with schools, colleges and RFU accredited clubs across the region. If you have an idea, feedback or want to find out more about the Yorkshire Rugby Academy, drop us a message and we’ll be in touch.
